Solid waste staff seeks expanded convenience‑site hours and funding as tire costs rise

Lancaster County Solid Waste officials asked the County Council Committee of the Whole on Wednesday to consider expanding the operating days at county convenience sites and to budget for higher disposal and tire‑processing costs.

Solid Waste staff presented a range of needs, including a $174,774 estimate to add Tuesday and Thursday operating days at county convenience centers. Director of Solid Waste (presenting as the solid waste team) said opening additional days would ease crowding and provide more access for residents who currently face limits and closures when compactors fill.

"This is the most popular call we get at Public Works — callers asking whether a site is open today," staff said. Expanding schedules would require hiring additional part‑time attendants to staff multiple sites across the county, staff added.

Staff also warned of rising tipping fees and disposal‑contract costs, emphasizing that state and regional markets for recyclables remain constrained and that electronic and tire recycling programs incur growing per‑ton costs. The department asked council to preserve funding in the disposal contract and to consider a cardboard baler investment that could create cleaner bales for market sales and reduce haul costs.

Council members asked whether state grants cover the higher expenses for tire recycling; staff said grants offset part of the cost but do not fully cover expected increases. Members also asked staff to include vehicle maintenance costs and potential future transfer‑station options in forthcoming budget scenarios.

Solid Waste staff said they would return with a phased plan for increasing convenience‑site days and a detailed budget impact analysis for disposal, tire processing and potential baler purchase.